Last updated
Care for the Caregiver After Unexpected Harm - Second Victims
Share PrintThe purpose of this project is to ensure that our organization attempts to identify potential Second Victims and provide them important information related to these phenomena.
Origin:
October 2020, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Adoptions:
8 successful
Recent Updates
Overview
Problem
Several studies have shown that a providers’ involvement in medical errors and adverse events can have a significant negative impact on both their personal and professional lives. Studies estimate that one in seven patients will be affected by an adverse event, and approximately half of all providers will be involved in a serious adverse event at least once
...
Several studies have shown that a providers’ involvement in medical errors and adverse events can have a significant negative impact on both their personal and professional lives. Studies estimate that one in seven patients will be affected by an adverse event, and approximately half of all providers will be involved in a serious adverse event at least once during their career. Our goal is to identify potential Second Victims and provide to them information on the VA resources available to help and support them should they experience any signs or symptoms of Second Victim phenomena.
See
more
- Abbreviated Version for Second Victim with Contact Information Second Victim Flyer
- Educational PowerPoint Care for the Caregiver
Files
Solution
Designed and implemented Risk Manager (RM) process, in consultation with appropriate team members and leaders, to ensure identification and support of potential second victims:
• RM, in consultation with appropriate team members, will identify possible Second Victim providers.
• RM confirms departmental support for identified providers with departmental ... Designed and implemented Risk Manager (RM) process, in consultation with appropriate team members and leaders, to ensure identification and support of potential second victims:
• RM, in consultation with appropriate team members, will identify possible Second Victim providers.
• RM confirms departmental support for identified providers with departmental leader.
• RM compiles Employee Assistance Program referral network, Chaplain Services, and Risk Management resources.
• RM sends Second Victim information & resources to providers identified.
RM will collect data on:
• Number of potential providers identified
• Providers that received Second Victim information and resources.
• Feedback received from providers and/or leaders. See more
• RM, in consultation with appropriate team members, will identify possible Second Victim providers.
• RM confirms departmental support for identified providers with departmental ... Designed and implemented Risk Manager (RM) process, in consultation with appropriate team members and leaders, to ensure identification and support of potential second victims:
• RM, in consultation with appropriate team members, will identify possible Second Victim providers.
• RM confirms departmental support for identified providers with departmental leader.
• RM compiles Employee Assistance Program referral network, Chaplain Services, and Risk Management resources.
• RM sends Second Victim information & resources to providers identified.
RM will collect data on:
• Number of potential providers identified
• Providers that received Second Victim information and resources.
• Feedback received from providers and/or leaders. See more
Results
All providers involved in the Peer Review process, Tort Claims, Disclosures, and negative events can be identified as potential Second Victims and provided the important information related to these phenomena. This information includes education and awareness of concerns and symptoms and VA resources available to provide the clinician support such as the Emp
...
All providers involved in the Peer Review process, Tort Claims, Disclosures, and negative events can be identified as potential Second Victims and provided the important information related to these phenomena. This information includes education and awareness of concerns and symptoms and VA resources available to provide the clinician support such as the Employee Assistance Program, Chaplain Services, and Risk Management Office. Providers and leaders have expressed appreciation for the Second Victim information and the confidential services contact information.
See
more
Diffusion tracker
Does not include Clinical Resource Hubs (CRH)
Implementation
Departments
- Chaplaincy
- Administration
- Education and training
- Risk management
- Hospital medicine
- Nursing services
- Human resources
- Surgery
Core Resources
| Resource type | Resource description |
|---|---|
PEOPLE |
|
PROCESSES |
|
TOOLS |
|
Files
- Abbreviated Version for Second Victim with Contact Information Second Victim Flyer
- Educational PowerPoint Care for the Caregiver
Contact
Comment
Comments and replies are disabled for retired innovations and non-VA users.
Email vhaphiriskmanagement@va.gov with questions about this innovation.
About
Origin story
This project came about to support and help providers who are experiencing or may experience Second Victim concerns or symptoms. Scott and colleagues (2009), defined second victims as health care providers who become involved in an adverse event, medical error, or harm to a patient and "become victimized in the sense that the provider is traumatized by the e
...
This project came about to support and help providers who are experiencing or may experience Second Victim concerns or symptoms. Scott and colleagues (2009), defined second victims as health care providers who become involved in an adverse event, medical error, or harm to a patient and "become victimized in the sense that the provider is traumatized by the event." Studies have shown that providers involved in these types of events have reported feelings of responsibility for the patient outcome, shame, anger, failure, depression, inadequacy, and loss of confidence; some providers have even reported symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Original team
Dr. Virginia Davis
Director, Quality Management
Dr. Jack Kelly
Chief of Staff
Rebecca Smith
Executive Assistant to COS
VA Illiana Health Care System (VISN 12) adopted a 24/7 second victim, trauma-informed response employee peer support program in May 2023. We are grateful for our multidisciplinary team of clinical and non-clinical volunteers!
That is great! Congrats.